Franz Josef Glacier is one of the largest glacier in New Zealand. Glaciers are persistent body of dense ice that is constantly moving under its own weight; it forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation (melting and sublimation) over many years, often centuries.

The options are…taking a scenic flight by helicopter or plane over the glacier, or taking a glacier heli-hike (there is “walking on glacier” for this tour), or taking a heli-ice climb (there is “walking on glacier” for this tour), or taking a valley walk (there is “NO walking on glacier” for this tour). For the detail of each options see on this site: franzjosefglacier tour.

A guided tour is a must for walking out onto the ice (glacier). Stay with your guide on the path and follow his instructions exactly. The tour will provided you with the gears, such as jacket, boots, crampons (a metal plate with spikes fixed to a boot for walking on ice), gloves, etc.